PARIS – World Cup champion Spain reclaimed first place in its qualifying group Tuesday night with a 1-0 victory over France.
Pedro Rodriguez scored in the 58th for Spain, which is now a point ahead of France in Group I. Spain had dropped two points behind France after a 1-1 draw with Finland on Friday, its second straight tie.
The nine group winners advance to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, while the eight best runners-up will compete in playoffs for Europe's remaining four spots.
Left unmarked, Pedro picked up Ignacio Monreal's cross from the left and bundled it past Hugo Lloris. The French goalkeeper clawed at the ball, but it was way over the line before he scooped it out.
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